Blepharospasm is the condition which causes the eyelids to close on their own. Blepharospasm normally refers to Benign Essential Blepharospasm in which the word essential indicates that the cause of the condition is unknown, but factors such as fatigue, stress etc can be contributing factors. Patients suffering from this condition find it difficult to keep their eyes open or feel a constant twitch in one or both eyes. It is an involuntary sustained muscle contraction. Generally, the symptoms disappear without the requirement of treatment. But, rarely, they may be continuous and acute causing functional blindness in some people. A patient with normal eyes may get effectively blind because the eyelids have clamped shut.

The treatment of benign essential blepharospasm has been difficult and various methods ranging from surgery such as orbicularis myectomy to medicines were tried. All the methods either lead to permanent side effects or were not effective. It was after various treatment modalities were tried, that Botox was used to treat the condition. Botulinum toxin is now the preferred treatment for the condition. Botox should be administered by a professional as wrongly injected Botox can cause ptosis. Although the condition is neurological, the task of treatment of blepharospasm with Botox is the job of an Oculoplastic surgeon and not a neurologist.

Video of Patient treated with Botox Injections for Blepharospasm:

Blepharospasm is different from the following conditions:-

Ptosis- in this condition the droopiness of the eyelids is caused by weakness or paralysis of the eyelid muscles. In this condition the eyelids may not open at all.

Hemi-facial spasm- this condition is confined to one side of the face. It involves various muscles on the face and is caused by the irritation of the facial nerve.

Blepharitis- in this condition the inflammation of eyelid takes place due to infection or allergies.

The exact cause of the condition is largely unknown although in some cases guesses are being made. Most patients generally do not have any history of problem in their eyes, but some patients suffering from this condition have reported dry eyes and in some cases, sensitivity to light. Prolonged dependence on sleeping pills or acute withdrawal from sleeping pills can induce blepharospasm. Hormone treatment like estrogen replacement therapy in women may induce blepharospasm. Abnormal functioning of the brain basal ganglia or in some cases blow to the back oh head can cause damage to brain basal ganglia which may cause blepharospasm. In such cases, dry eyes and Meige’s syndrome have also been observed to occur simultaneously.

The primary treatment given for this condition is Botox. Botox induces partial paralysis of the muscle which causes the eyelids to close. Generally the treatment is given every three months and the patients usually experience relief from the symptoms within a week of the treatment. Almost all patients can live normally with regular treatment. A very small number of patients may not find relief from the symptoms and may to have to turn to other forms of treatment.

Extreme care should be taken while injecting Botox, to ensure that the middle part of the upper eye lid is not paralyzed which can cause ptosis.

The condition might be tough to treat, but a patient suffering from this condition can lead a normal life by taking Botox treatment. The treatment should be taken every 3-4 months. The procedure has been in use for over 20 years in the world of medicine and is very safe. A patient does not have to live with a persistent condition which can cause major problems in vision. A good Oculoplastic surgeon can treat the condition effectively and without any side effects.

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Dr. Deborah Martin is a medical physician certified by the College of Physician & have more than twenty years of diversified experience in Emergency Care and Medical Aesthetics.Dr. Martin has produced a series of videos which educates medical professionals from start to finish about Botox Cosmetic.Dr. Deborah Martin has been educating physicians in the fields of Botox, Fillers, Sclerotherapy, Lasers, Business, and other areas of Medical Aesthetics for more than 10 years.